DRIED PRODUCTS

Foods have been preserved by dehydration for thousands of years. It is achieved by removing water from the food by evaporation using either sunlight or heating elements. Dehydration slows the growth of bacteria and prolongs shelf life, which was crucial at times when refrigerators didn't exist. Many dried foods are edible right out of the bag like raisins or dates but some (like our shiitake mushrooms) need to be rehydrated before they are consumed.